Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Sunday said that top international bankers believe Hong Kong has a leading edge in green finance development.

Writing on his official blog, Chan mentioned that he had attended the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund, and World Bank in Morocco last week.

Chan said he had met the groups’ senior representatives, as well as central bank governors from several other countries.

“They believe Hong Kong as an international financial centre, has a leading advantage in the development of green finance in the region, and can make positive contributions in areas such as standard setting, project certification and talent training,” he said.

He added that he had invited them to attend several green-tech events that will be held in the SAR early next year.

“By then, Hong Kong is expected to gather elites from global green-related industries. While promoting more constructive international dialogue, it aims to facilitate the connection of more green funds and projects, opening up possibilities for greater cooperation in green development,” he said.

Separately, the finance minister also highlighted that a slower-than-expected and uneven global economic recovery was a primary concern among countries taking part in the meetings.

“Several representatives expressed concerns over ‘higher for longer’ interest rates,” he said, noting that many regions lacked growth drivers in the post-pandemic era.

He said the global economic outlook will continue to be troubled by heightened geopolitical tensions and persistently high inflation.